PESHAWAR, Pakistan – At least 19 people, including 18 pupils and a teacher, have been killed after a school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, with dozens more injured as rescuers search the rubble for possible survivors.
Forty people were reported injured in the collapse in the Dir Colony area, according to local media reports. Emergency teams were working at the scene as the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.
Mohammad Asim, spokesperson for Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), said all the pupils who died were under the age of 13. The hospital declared an emergency following the incident, with some injured children reported to be in critical condition.
The cause of the collapse had not been established in the initial reports.
Pakistani President Calls For Investigation
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “profound shock and grief” over the deaths and injuries of children and teachers.
In a statement shared by his office on X, Zardari described the incident as a “heart-wrenching tragedy” that had plunged the country into shock.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that victims received the best possible medical care.
Zardari called for a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused the collapse and stressed the need to ensure school buildings meet safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.
Shehbaz Sharif Sends Condolences To Bereaved Families
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief over the incident, offering prayers for those who died, including the children, and strength to their families as they cope with the loss.
Sharif prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed authorities to provide them with all necessary medical assistance.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities on the incident.
Rescuers Search For Survivors
Rescue operations continued as emergency teams searched through the rubble for anyone who might still be trapped.
The collapse has raised urgent concerns over the safety of educational facilities, particularly as children and school staff were among those caught in the disaster.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse as rescue efforts and medical assistance continue.
